Museums & Attractions

The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. The museum's permanent exhibitions, which attract up to two million visitors annually, include fossils, current cultures from around the world, and interactive programming deminstrating today's urgent conservation needs.

The museum is open daily 9AM-5PM. Last admission at 4PM.

The Shedd Aquarium houses over 32,000 animals, including dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, and penguins. Learn about amazing creatures from all over the world in the aquarium's seven permament exhibits.

Hours vary by day; check calendar for current hours. Visit the website below for special plan-ahead pricing.

The Adler Planetarium boasts three theaters, space science exhibitions, including the Gemini 12 space capsule, and a collection of antique scientific instruments and print materials. Additionally, the planetarium hosts the Doane Observatory, a research-active public observatory.

The planetarium is open daily 9AM-5PM. Last admission at 4PM. Tickets must be purchased via the website in advance of your visit.

Home to collection of art that spans centuries and the globe, the Art Institute is one of TripAdvisor's top US attractions for 2022. Explore the museum's wide-ranging exhibitions along with a variety of virtual and on-site programs.

Open 11AM-5PM Saturday-Monday, 11AM-8PM Thursday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Ordering advance tickets, including free tickets for IL residents, is recommended.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is one of the world's largest museums dedicated to contemporary art. Here the public can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of our time. The MCA works closely with the community to create a space for dialogue, learning, and growth.

The museum is open 10AM-5PM Wednesday-Sunday and 10AM-9PM Tuesday; closed Monday. Online ticket reservations are recommended.

The Chicago Architectural Center features super-sized models—and views—of iconic skyscrapers. Center exhibits focus on Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, housing types, leading architects and future projects, and include the largest scale model of the city, with more than 4,250 miniature buildings, interactive touchscreens, and a cinematic backdrop animating key moments in its history. The Center is also your gateway to more than 50 CAC walking tours.

Open 10AM-4PM Friday-Monday; closed Tuesday-Thursday.

Housed on the Columbia College Chicago campus, the Museum of Contemporary Photography boldy presents throught-provoking photography through ground-breaking exhibitions and programming, drawing from a collection of over 16,000 works.

The museum is open 10AM-5PM Monday-Saturday (with additional hours of 5PM-8PM on Thursday)and 12PM-5PM Sunday.

Dive into a world of discovery! The American Writers Museum’s permanent exhibits take visitors on a journey through the American story, from the perspective of the writers. They introduce you to great writing in all genres, illustrating how writing influences our history and culture, and spotlighting the beauty and visceral impact of great writing.

Open 10AM-5PM Thursday-Monday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday.

Located on the UIC campus, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is Chicago’s dynamic monument to democracy. The museum draws on the legacy of Jane Addams and the other social reformers who lived and worked alongside their immigrant neighbors to create social change and expand access to democracy. The museum, located in the two remaining building of the thirteen building complex, is a National Historic Landmark that connects histories of the Hull-House Settlement to present-day social justice issues.

Open 9:10AM-4:50PM Tuesday-Friday; Closed Saturday-Monday.

Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean," is one of the world's largest permanent outdoor art installations and has become synonymous with the Chicago experience. It anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city's famous skyline and the surrounding park.

Millennium Park is open daily 8AM-9PM.

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.

Open 11AM-8PM Monday-Thursday, 11AM-9PM Friday-Saturday, and 11AM-7PM Sunday. Hours may vary at specific establishment and Pier Park attractions.

Chicago Children’s Museum’s mission is to improve children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Housed in Navy Pier, the museum is intentionally designed for experimentation, creativity, and learning for all children. We focus on accessibility, inclusion, and the pursuit of childhood, ensuring valuable and memorable experiences for all visitors.

Open 10AM-2PM Monday & Thursday, 10AM-5PM Friday-Sunday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Last admission 1 hour prior to museum closing.

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago! Treat yourself to a "one stop Chicago" experience on your journey to the 103rd floor. Enjoy 360-degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states and our most spectacular view - 1,353 feet straight down! "Dare to Stand Out" on The Ledge - glass balconies extending 4.3 Feet outside the building provide a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience!

Open 9AM-8PM Monday-Friday and 9AM-10PM Saturday-Sunday. Last admission at 4PM. Last entry 30 minutes prior o closing. Please reserve your tickets in advance to guarantee access to the Skydeck.